Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket After Two Decades
Ajinkya Rahane Bids Farewell to International Cricket
On July 30, veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane officially declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the conclusion of a remarkable career that lasted nearly 20 years.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Rahane expressed that he believes it is the right moment to step away from the international stage.
Rahane remarked, "Life has its cycles; everything begins and eventually ends. When that moment arrives, it’s essential to acknowledge it and progress. Timing has always been crucial in my batting, and I recognize its significance now."
He continued, "I believe the timing is perfect for me to retire from all formats of international cricket. From my early days as a young boy practicing, I dedicated everything to this sport. Each day, every innings, and every chance to bat was driven by the dream of donning the India cap."
Throughout his career, Rahane emphasized his commitment to the nation and the team, playing with integrity.
He stated, "I adhered to one fundamental principle: always prioritize my country and team over personal interests. I approached this game with complete honesty, believing that if your intentions are pure, the game will reward you."
Reflecting on his journey, Rahane expressed pride in the evolution of Indian cricket since his debut in first-class cricket.
"Since my first-class debut, Indian cricket has made remarkable strides, and I take immense pride in being part of this journey over the past two decades. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer concludes, my relationship with the game continues. I am eager to assist the next generation, imparting the values this sport has instilled in me and giving back to the game that has given me so much," he shared.
Rahane extended his gratitude to the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
"A heartfelt thank you to all the cricket enthusiasts who stood by me through every triumph and setback. My name, Ajinkya, signifies unbeatable, yet cricket has taught me defeat on numerous occasions. As cricketers, we often face failure. My team has lost matches, and I have made errors, but there is one arena where I was never defeated: in your hearts. Thank you for your love, trust, and support. Cap number 278, signing off," Rahane concluded.
In his Test career, Rahane participated in 85 matches and 144 innings, amassing 5,077 runs, which included 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, featuring 3 centuries and 24 fifties, with an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63. In T20 Internationals, he appeared in 20 matches and 20 innings, accumulating 375 runs, with no centuries and one fifty, averaging 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.
Rahane maintained an unbeaten record as a Test captain, achieving four victories, two draws, and the highest win percentage for an Indian Test captain with a minimum of five matches.
His captaincy included a memorable comeback victory in Melbourne and India's historic win at the Gabba, which ended Australia's long-standing unbeaten streak at that venue during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India won 2-1.
Rahane also led India to a significant Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and secured a win over Afghanistan in 2018.